Have a Safe 4th of July!

Happy 4^th of July! Independence Day is a wonderful day to celebrate the birth of our nation with our families and friends. However, it can also be a bit dangerous. It’s important to be cautious on today of all days. For this reason, in today’s blog, we’ll be discussing a few easy ways to stay safer this 4^th of July!

Fireworks and the 4^th of July

Let’s start our safety lesson off with some fireworks. When it comes to the 4^th of July, explosives are the first thing many people think about. Here's how to keep these potential hazards as safe as possible.

Keep it Legal

Above all: make sure you’re not doing anything illegal. Depending on where you live, using fireworks may not be “above the board.” Before you reach for that lighter, make sure you check your local laws. Otherwise, the consequences can be severe. Nothing can ruin a party quite like a visit from the police. In the end, it’s just not worth the risk.

Keep it Safe

Beyond basic legality, let’s talk safety. Assuming you’re allowed to set off a few firecrackers, it’s important to take the proper precautions. Fun as they are, fireworks are still explosives. These should be treated with respect and care. After all, the emergency rooms are full of tragic mishaps each Independence Day.

These are a few basic tips for 4^th of July Fireworks safety:

• Be absolutely sure to follow the included directions on any and all fireworks.
• Don't alter your fireworks or combine them to make larger explosions. For example, don’t build “genies” or strap bottle rockets together. That’s a recipe for disaster.
• Don’t build your own fireworks. Homemade explosives are a very big risk.
• Always remember to keep water and fully charged fire extinguishers close at hand.
• Alert spectators to keep their distance. At times, fireworks can be unpredictable.
• Don’t light fireworks on uneven ground. To lessen the possibility of a misfire, only light explosives on a smooth, flat surface.
• Avoid alcohol and other drugs! If you’re lighting fireworks, make sure to remain totally sober.
• For better protection, wear safety goggles.
• Don’t assume an unexploded firecracker is a dud. Instead, wait 20 minutes. If it still doesn’t ignite, soak the “dud” in a bucket of water. Once this is done, carefully dispose of it.
• Additionally, soak any left over fireworks in water before disposing of them. It will greatly reduce your risk this 4^th of July.

Take Extra Care of Your Pets 

When it comes to cat and dog safety, we treat our furry friends as members of our families. Animals are often easily terrified by the sounds of exploding fireworks. If at all possible, don’t expose them to a fireworks display at all.

If fireworks are going off near your home, just keep a good attentive eye on them. Soothe them with petting and plenty of love. Believe it or not, active supervision works great for pets as well as kids! Above all, don’t leave your animals unattended.

If you’re leaving the pets at home, consider leaving the TV or stereo on, and at a loud volume. This will hopefully muffle the sounds of explosions coming from outside. It may not seem like much, but a little distraction can go a long way.

Otherwise, enjoy the holiday and follow our usual guidelines for a safe party!

Happy Independence Day, everyone!